Rising since 2018, #11,932 for girls today.
Popularity of Jamela since 1957
Babies named Jamela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 17 |
| 1970s | 139 |
| 1980s | 235 |
| 1990s | 259 |
| 2000s | 176 |
| 2010s | 69 |
| 2020s | 44 |
Meaning & origin
Jamela is a phonetic adaptation of the Arabic name Jamila, meaning 'beautiful.' While it remains uncommon, the name first appeared on U.S. records in 1957 and peaked in 1986, though it has never been widely used. Since 2018, its trajectory has been rising, indicating a slow but renewed interest. The name's rarity means it appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet culturally resonant choice linked to a positive meaning.
Jamela is a Western phonetic spelling of the Arabic name Jamila (جميلة), which directly translates to 'beautiful.' The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world and among Muslim communities globally. Its adoption in the United States reflects broader trends of Arabic names entering American naming practices, often as a variant of the more standard Jamila.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jami, Mela
Sibling names for Jamela
Names that share Jamela's style, for a brother or sister.
